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Toxic effects of acrylamide on survival, development and haemocytes of Musca domestica
T Szczerbina1, Z Banach, G Tylko
1Department of Cytology and Histology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
The influence of acrylamide, a potentially toxic substance present in some types of food, on survival, postembryonic development and haemocytes, insect's blood cells, of the housefly was examined. Larvae were reared on media contaminated with acrylamide at concentrations of 82 microg/g, 164 microg/g or 246 microg/g. The length of larval and pupal stages as well as the survival of larvae and pupae was examined. To study the effects of acrylamide on haemocytes, the analysis of their index and morphology was performed in the third instar larva. The obtained data showed that the survival of larvae exposed to 82 microg/g and 164 microg/g concentrations of acrylamide decreased by 50% and 85%, respectively, whereas 246 microg/g concentration was lethal. In both groups of flies, larval and pupal stages were significantly lengthened by about 1.5 day in comparison with control. Moreover, acrylamide increased the number of prohaemocytes and intermediate cells while the number of plasmatocytes and granulocytes decreased. The size of plasmatocytes decreased in acrylamide-treated larvae when compared with these cells of control flies. The reduced survival of animals is probably due to affecting haemocytes involved in immune responses in insects. Moreover, the housefly's blood cells showed to be sensitive to toxin, which suggests their usefulness to test toxicity of substances present in food products.
Insights
Acrylamide in food negatively impacts housefly survival and development. This toxic substance alters insect blood cells (haemocytes), suggesting houseflies can serve as bioindicators for food toxicity testing.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Acrylamide is a potentially toxic substance found in various food products.
- Understanding its impact on non-target organisms is crucial for food safety assessments.
- Insects, like the housefly, are valuable models for studying toxicological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary acrylamide on housefly (Musca domestica) survival, development, and haemocyte profiles.
- To assess the potential of housefly haemocytes as biomarkers for acrylamide toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Housefly larvae were reared on artificial diets containing varying concentrations of acrylamide (82, 164, 246 µg/g).
- Survival rates, larval and pupal development times were monitored.
- Haemocyte counts and morphology were analyzed in third instar larvae.
Main Results:
- Acrylamide exposure significantly reduced larval and pupal survival, with 246 µg/g proving lethal.
- Both larval and pupal stages were prolonged by approximately 1.5 days.
- Acrylamide altered haemocyte populations, increasing prohaemocytes and intermediate cells while decreasing plasmatocytes and granulocytes. Plasmatocyte size was also reduced.
Conclusions:
- Dietary acrylamide adversely affects housefly survival and development.
- Acrylamide exposure disrupts haemocyte numbers and morphology, impacting immune function.
- Housefly haemocytes demonstrate sensitivity to acrylamide, indicating their potential utility in testing food-borne toxins.
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